The Algerian Ministry of Health is set to introduce significant updates to the regulatory framework governing the pharmacy profession. Minister of Health, Mohamed Seddik Ait Messaoudene, announced that several decrees will be published to accompany the evolution of health practices and enhance the responsibility of sector professionals. These developments were shared at the 2nd International Conference of Pharmacy, organized by the National Council of the Order of Pharmacists of Algeria.
Two major texts are currently being finalized for publication in the Official Journal. The first decree concerns the conditions and modalities of prescription of pharmaceutical products, approved by the Council of Ministers. This decree aims to establish a clearer framework for the prescription and dispensation of medications, contributing to their rationalized use. The second text focuses on the technical characteristics of food supplements for human medicine.
The decree on food supplements, also approved by the Council of Ministers, stipulates that their dispensation will be exclusively ensured by pharmacists. This measure aims to guarantee better consumer orientation, enhance product safety and quality, and reduce risks associated with their anarchic or excessive use. According to the Minister, this new device represents a significant step towards establishing a modern national framework for food supplements.
In addition to regulating the profession, the Ministry of Health plans to address the distribution of healthcare structures and capacities through the development of a national health map. This map will be permanently developed and updated to adapt the care offer to the population's real needs, bring health services closer to citizens, and strengthen territorial equity. The map will cover several components of the health system, including the network of pharmacies and medical analysis laboratories.
The health map will serve as a decision-making tool to guide the distribution of medical equipment and human resources according to the specific needs of each region. The objective is to achieve a better distribution of national capacities and ultimately guarantee a homogeneous quality of care and more equitable access to health services across the territory. Algeria also aims to strengthen its pharmaceutical role in Africa.
The conference in Algiers was held under the theme of national sovereignty and African openness. The event brought together Algerian officials, representatives of international and professional organizations, and experts from Algeria and abroad. Minister Ait Messaoudene advocated for a conception of health sovereignty that does not imply isolation but rather an active openness to the African environment.
Algeria's pharmaceutical industry has experienced significant expansion, with nearly 230 companies and a production value of $4.9 billion in 2025. The national production covers 82% of the market's needs in value, with an integrated manufacturing rate of 95%. The country works with the World Health Organization to promote its national system of pharmaceutical control and regulation.
Key points
- Algeria to introduce new regulations for pharmaceutical prescription and supplement distribution
- The country aims to strengthen its pharmaceutical role in Africa through cooperation and the development of a strategic African pharmaceutical platform
- Algeria's pharmaceutical industry has experienced significant growth, covering 82% of the market's needs in value
